The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has a few new programs and projects in the works for 2016.
BID will be rolling out its Ambassador Program for downtown. The idea is to put friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming people downtown. Ambassadors will be able to give directions to local and regional attractions, suggest a restaurant, and offer information on shopping options. Watch for the BID ambassadors late this spring, summer and early fall. If you are interested in being an ambassador, or if you know someone who might be a good fit, please send an e-mail to timw@downtowndurango.org.
In early 2016, BID will have a new and improved website. It will be mobile friendly and will be easier to find information on north Main Avenue and downtown. The new website will provide information on our programs and finances, and will contain information about downtown parking, the Durango Welcome Center, things to do downtown, as well as information on Durango-area events. Our website is designed by Milomedia Web Design and can be found at DowntownDurango.org.
BID is in the process of building a business directory of every business within our boundaries.
BID encompasses all the Central Business District and north Main Avenue. More than 800 properties are within the BID, and multiple businesses operate in many of those properties. In order to help people find what they need from our great clothing stores, galleries, restaurants, and retail outlets, BID’s new directory will provide categories of businesses, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, websites, and, where appropriate, a list of each business’ top three selling items.
Finally, BID will work with the city of Durango on a character district analysis for north Main Avenue, and possibly Camino del Rio next to downtown as well. The city would like to build on the momentum generated by the recently completed Mobility Study by analyzing the land uses, assessing development opportunities, and discussing issues with people who live near the corridor.
The city has begun collecting data and mapping different aspects of the corridor. Using this base data, the city will conduct extensive public outreach to hear from the community about the desired future for north Main. The city will work with BID to understand the current business environment in the corridor and explore opportunities to create a distinct image for this part of our community.
In early 2016, the city will present findings of the north Main Character Analysis asking for input on what can be done to improve the safety, function, and viability of north Main. Stay tuned for more information.
To keep up with information about downtown and north Main Avenue, sign up for our weekly E-News. It’s a short, accurate and timely information piece published every Wednesday morning. To sign up, text DURANGOBID to 22828 or go to DowntownDurango.org/newsletter.
timw@downtowndurango.org. Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District.
